PREPARING FOR A HURRICANE

By Amy Gordon

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Before Hurricane Season Starts
During a Hurricane Watch
During a Hurricane Warning
After the Storm

Before Hurricane Season Starts

  1. Identify sources of information (i.e. www.emergencyemail.org)
  2. Plan an evacuation route. This applies to those living near or on the coast. If you have relatives who live on the coast you may want to consider being the evacuation point for them. Also, locate emergency shelters in case they are needed.
  3. For residents of our coastal region, learn the safe routes inland. Elderly residents may need assistance with this task. Be ready to drive 20 to 50 miles inland to locate a safe place.
  4. Check your emergency supplies:
    1. Flashlight and batteries
    2. Battery-operated radio with extra batteries
    3. First aid kit and manual
    4. Emergency food and water
    5. Manual can opener
    6. Essential medicines
    7. Cash and credit cards
    8. Sturdy shoes
  5. Make arrangements for pets
  6. Make sure that all family members know how to respond after a hurricane.
    1. Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity and water.
    2. Teach your children how and when to call 911, police, or the fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.
  7. Protect your windows.
  8. While permanent shutters are best, a low-cost way is marine plywood. However, the wood needs to be cut to the specific measurements of your windows. The wood also needs to be marked to ensure the correct piece of wood goes in the correct window.
  9. Trim back trees. Be sure to cut off the dead or weak limbs as this will cut back on the potential damage to your home.
  10. Call your insurance company regarding flood insurance. Homeowners policies do not cover flood damage caused by a hurricane. Make sure you check on this well in advance due to the 30-day waiting period that most insurance companies have before the policy becomes effective.
  11. Develop an emergency communication plan.
  12. Families can become separated during an emergency which is why it is very important to be able to contact each other once the disaster is over. Have a point of contact that is further inland than the hurricane damage for everyone to contact. Also include in this plan a way of getting back together.

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During a Hurricane Watch (the threat of hurricane conditions within 24 - 36 hours)

  1. Listen to a battery operated radio for hurricane progress reports.
  2. Check on emergency supplies
  3. Fuel car. This will be needed in case of an evacuation and/or power outages prohibiting the ability to obtain fuel.
  4. Bring all of your outdoor items (i.e. lawn furniture, toys, garden supplies) that you can inside. Anything that cannot be brought inside will need to be anchored down.
  5. Secure all building by closing and boarding up windows and removing all outside antennas. Do not keep windows open for any reason.
  6. Turn your freezer and refrigerator to the coldest settings for use during power outages. Only open them when it is absolutely necessary and close the door as quickly as possible to avoid the escape of cold air.
  7. Drinking water should be stored in clean bathtubs, jugs, and bottles. For those with wells, you will need extra water for flushing toilets and taking showers and baths.
  8. Valuables and important papers should be stored in water tight containers in the highest level of your home in the case of extreme flooding.
  9. Review your homes evacuation plan and phone numbers of contact people.
  10. For those with boats at our coast or lakes, these will need to be secured or moved to a safe place. Using rope or chain will secure the boat to the trailer and anchor the trailer to the ground or house using tiedowns.

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During a Hurricane Warning (the threat of hurricane conditions - winds of 74mph or greater or dangerously high water and rough seas - expected within 24 hours or less)

  1. Listen constantly to a battery operated radio or television for official instructions.
  2. If you live in a mobile home, check the tiedowns and evacuate your home immediately.
  3. Do not use elevators.
  4. If you are at home:
    1. Stay inside and avoid windows, skylights and glass doors
    2. Flashlights and extra batteries need to be on hand. Avoid using candles and kerosene lamps as a source of light. This creates an unnecessary risk of fire.
    3. If a power outage occurs, turn off all major appliances to reduce the power surge when electricity does return.
  5. When and if emergency officials indicate that evacuation is necessary:
    1. Leave as quickly as possible. Do not drive through flooded areas and watch for washed out bridges.
    2. Unplug all appliances and turn off electricity and main water valve.
    3. Tell someone outside of the hurricane area where you are going. This should be part of your evacuation plan that has already been made up.
    4. If there is time and you live in an identified surge area, elevate furniture to reduce the potential of damage.
    5. Pack pre-assembled emergency supplies in your vehicle, lock up your home and go to a designated shelter.

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After the Storm

  1. Listen to radio for important information.
  2. Return home only after authorities advise that it is safe to do so.
  3. Do not go near down power lines. Notify emergency personnel (police, fire, or EMS) or the power company and they will handle it.
  4. Enter your home cautiously. Be aware of insects, snakes, and various animals looking for higher ground due to flooding.
  5. Open windows in your home to ventilate and dry out your home.
  6. Go through your refrigerator and check for spoiled foods.
  7. Take pictures of damage for your insurance company.
  8. Do not drive unless it is absolutely necessary.
  9. Telephone usage should be limited to emergency calls only.
  10. Utilities need to be inspected upon return home:
    1. Check for gas leaks. There will be a smell of gas or you will hear a blowing or hissing noise. Open a window and quickly leave your home or building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve and call the gas company from a neighbors home. The gas will have to be turned back on by the gas company.
    2. Check for electrical system changes: Check for frayed wires, sparks, broken wires or if you smell hot insulation turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. Do not step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker. Call a professional first for advice.
    3. Check for sewage and water line damage. If you see or suspect damage, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using water from the tap. Safe drinking water can be obtained from melting ice cubes.

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